February 12, 2014

CFO Jeff Atwater recently announced the arrests of 14 individuals following a joint investigation between the State Fire Marshal's Office and Miami-Dade Police Department's Arson Unit.

Operation Flames and Floods, as it was termed upon its inception in November 2012, exposed an extensive scheme to defraud several insurance companies by staging fire and water damage claims to residential homes in Miami-Dade County, Lehigh Acres and Naples.

The losses exceeded several million dollars after 13 homes were set on fire and five more reported extensive water damage.

"These devious acts of fraud hurt all Floridians by driving up the cost of insurance, which takes money out of the pockets of hard-working, law-abiding Floridians," Atwater said. "I am extremely proud of the work of our State Fire Marshall's Office, and I am thankful for the support of the Miami-Dade Police Department's Arson Unit and Miami-Dade County State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle for helping us bring these individuals to justice."

Public adjustors and a plumber were among the people arrested for allegedly instructing homeowners about how to file fraudulent insurance claims. The 13 cases of arson were staged to resemble electrical, kitchen and vehicle-related fires occurring within the home or garage, while those involving water damage blamed flooding on water supply lines or clogged sewer lines.

Upon their arrest, the following individuals were transported to Miami-Dade County Jail:

- Jorge Fausto Espinosa Sr.

- Carolina Esponosa

- Roberto Suarez

- Pedro H. Lezcano, Sr.

- Argelio Menendez

- Jesus Martinez

- Lazaro Delgado

- Liset Corrales

- Francisco Pineiro-Gonzalez

- Daniel Perez

- Francisco Centurion

- Abel Gutierrez

- Daney Perez

- Ernesto O'Reilly

As a result of the fraud, insurance carriers paid out more than $7.6 million in reported losses.

"Through insurance fraud, scammers reach into the wallets of every Floridian, every day," Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said. "I and my prosecutors are proud to be working with such dedicated professionals as the members of the State Fire Marshall's Office and the Miami-Dade Police Department's Arson Unit in the battle to end this crime."

Anyone with information of suspected insurance fraud is asked to call (800) 378-0445. Citizens who provide tips can remain anonymous.

The Department of Financial Services to date has awarded nearly $350,000 as part of its Anti-Fraud Reward Program. The program rewards individuals up to $25,000 for information that directly leads to an arrest and conviction in an insurance fraud scheme.